Life Without Barriers’ Post

National Reconciliation Week This week, I have the privilege to participate my son’s school chapel and learned the importance of empathy, reconciliation, and the power of apologies, particularly in the context of Australia's Reconciliation Week. Here are some key points summarised: 1. **Acknowledging Pain**: Recognize the historical and ongoing hurt caused to Indigenous peoples in Australia. 2. **Building Relationships**: Aim to create positive relationships by acknowledging past wrongs and apologising for them. 3. **Empathy**: Understand and feel the pain of others, which is a significant step towards reconciliation. 4. **Responsibility**: Taking responsibility for one's actions and the harm they may have caused, even if unintentional. 5. **Character Building**: Apologising and making amends helps in personal growth and strengthens relationships. 6. **Healing Process**: Apologies initiate the process of healing and improving relationships. 7. **Hands as Symbols**: Hands are used to express friendship, hospitality, prayer, and reconciliation. For Reconciliation Week, hands symbolise the effort to mend and understand relationships. The message encourages everyone, to be mindful of their actions and words, and to use this week as an opportunity to practice empathy, humility, and reconciliation. #nationalreconciliationweek #NRW #TDQS

Today marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week 2024, with this year's theme – 'Now More Than Ever' – serving as a crucial reminder to continue in our efforts towards reconciliation and enhancing the rights of First Nations people. We had the opportunity to speak with Cassandra Sheridan, a Yamatji woman living in Tharawal Country and AGL Aboriginal Engagement Officer, about the significance of National Reconciliation Week, her personal perspective, and how both organisations and individuals can make a meaningful impact on reconciliation. "This theme is more than just a symbolic gesture; it's a continuous, collective effort that demands immediate and sustained action. Everyone has a role to play in this journey towards true reconciliation," she explained. "Reconciliation begins with truth, healing, and a shared vision for our future, but it also requires action and tangible outcomes." Throughout the week, we’ll be hosting events at our sites and offices and engaging with our employees and First Nations people to educate and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of First Nations communities. #NationalReconciliationWeek #NowMoreThanEver #FirstNations

❤️ What is National Reconciliation Week? It's a time to celebrate our shared history, culture, and achievements. Because together, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious Australia. 💛 Why is reconciliation important? Reconciliation is about acknowledging the past, celebrating culture, and working towards a shared future. It’s about healing, understanding, and fostering connections. 🖤 Did you know that ETC has a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)? Our RAP is more than just a document—it’s a living commitment to building respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through collaboration, learning, and action, we aim to create positive change and promote understanding. 🧡 Where from here? Together, we can create a nation strengthened by respectful relationships. Whether it’s through education, truth-telling, or combating racism, our collective efforts matter. Now more than ever, we need reconciliation. Read ETC's RAP > https://bit.ly/3R16ZZa #NRW2024 #NowMoreThanEver Reconciliation Australia

Last week our Reconciliation Action Plan was published on the Reconciliation Australia website after a year of development, and coinciding with National Reconciliation Week we thought we should share some of what learnt and what we want to achieve. Our RAP has several intersecting purposes and it brings together work and ideas that we have been developing in our projects over the last decade. These critical intersections relate to our work as architects, designers and advocates, including: - Defining our corporate understanding of reconciliation - Providing guidance and focus to our staff as they undertake their own journey of reconciliation. - Establish and formalising partnerships that will make this journey rich and purposeful - Expressing our position to the wider community with clarity and purpose Our plan will continue to evolve as we build deeper and stronger connections through our work with First Nations peoples, whether they are Elders, specialist consultants, linguists or artists. This progression will not be linear and we recognise that at times we will have to reassess our approach as our knowledge expands. We will listen, we will reflect and we will always be respectful. This year’s theme of Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that, no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will – and must – continue. Redfern Station Mural - 1983 | 40,000 years is a long, long time… 40,000 still on my mind…. Carol Ruff, Tracey Moffatt, Joe Geia, Avril Quill, Kristina Nehm and Charlie Aarons

This National Reconciliation Week, we reflect on the theme 'Now More Than Ever' and recognise the importance of unity and understanding in our journey towards reconciliation and better outcomes for First Nations people.   We are on track in delivering our fifth Reconciliation Action Plan and have made some great progress over the years while we look to embed reconciliation into the way we operate as a business, both internally and externally. We’ve been proud to support over 100 First Nations Community Wi-Fi points across the country, a secondee program to deliver additional skilled support for First Nations organisations through our Jawun partnership, and implementing Cultural Heritage procedures in the design and build of the nbn network to respect and protect places and sites of significance.   We’re also focusing inward, ensuring recruitment is inclusive, employment opportunities are increased, and career pathways are accessible for First Nations people at nbn. Perhaps most importantly, we’re continuing to provide opportunities for our people to come together, discuss and learn about a broad range of First Nations topics; making reconciliation a focus not just this week, but all year round.   We understand that reconciliation is more than a word, and there’s still more to be done. Find out more about nbn’s commitment and progress here: https://lnkd.in/gB-4rfvM

🌟 An Insightful Reflection on National Reconciliation Week 2024 🌟   How far we've come, Marched through April and we approach the end of May. This week is National Reconciliation Week and Now More Than Ever! We need you.   National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.   The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue. There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.   Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and are with us.   Reconciliation supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.   Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection, respect, action, a change. Now more than ever, we need reconciliation! Every year workplaces, schools, early learning services, community groups, reconciliation groups, and people right across the country host a whole range of activities and events during National Reconciliation Week.   Here are some actions we can take: * Explore resources * Learn about or follow our Elders * Support an indigenous business By Charmaine Busch, Cultural Educator, Katherine Region, CCNT   #NationalReconciliationWeek #NowMoreThanEver #ReconciliationActionNow #CatholicCareNT

Embracing our path to reconciliation! 🤝 This week, we recognise National Reconciliation Week, a reminder that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continues. Now more than ever, the work goes on, and together, we stand strong in solidarity. At Symal, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. Let’s use this week as an opportunity to educate ourselves, spark meaningful conversations, and reinforce our collective commitment to reconciliation. Together, we can achieve this. #NationalReconciliationWeek #NowMoreThanEver #BuildingBetterTogether #ReconciliationActionPlan

As part of our commitment to the development of Consumer Representatives in WA and in recognition of the need for services to be Culturally aware and respectful, we offer this workshop to the Consumer Rep network. This training was developed by HCC Engagement Manager and Bundjalung woman, Tania Harris and supports people to design and deliver their own personalised and meaningful Acknowledgement of Country. This small, immersive workshop will give you the skills and confidence to deliver a considered and thoughtful Acknowledgement. This powerful statement from Reconciliation Australia says: There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect. National Reconciliation Week’s theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue. Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people, and are with us. It is imperative that supporters of reconciliation stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent. Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.   Now more than ever, we need reconciliation. Wed 18 September, 5:30-7:00pm Online, via Zoom Register at https://lnkd.in/gYyM3_FU

Close the Gap with Truth Telling #RAPConference2024 Reconciliation Australia The National RAP Conference 2024, held in Meanjin (Brisbane) this week, gathered leaders and organisations committed to advancing reconciliation under the theme Now More Than Ever. This year's program features discussions on pressing issues like truth-telling, with a series of plenaries and breakout sessions focused on addressing Australia's historical injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. One session on truth-telling saw representatives from Telstra, the ABC, and the City of Melbourne discuss their organisations' roles in truth-telling initiatives and their commitments to acknowledging past harms. Each speaker shared insights on their organisation's journey toward truth-telling, aiming to deepen public understanding and accountability. Mr Jason Eades, Director of Aboriginal Melbourne, highlighted the City of Melbourne's work to honour and acknowledge the experiences of Aboriginal Victorians, including the creation of a marker to commemorate the Stolen Generations. "For some time now, our community has said to us, 'we want to know more about our Traditional Owners, and we want council to do more'," Mr Eades said. Mr Eades emphasised that truth-telling has been central to Melbourne's reconciliation efforts, especially given the city's foundational role in the colonisation of Victoria. "The city of Melbourne existed before the State of Victoria, which means we played a role in the colonisation of the state," he noted. In 2016, community consultation led Melbourne City Council to take steps toward truth-telling and treaty advocacy. "We want to get it right and right for the Traditional Owners," Mr Eades said. A significant initiative from Melbourne City has been the interactive map, which allows users to explore Melbourne's Aboriginal history. "We built this interactive map, which lets you rewind time," Mr Eades said. "As local government, we are closest here to people within our municipalities. https://lnkd.in/gDVxdM3v

🖤💛❤️ Get involved - National Reconciliation Week. 📢 National Reconciliation Week, held 27 May – 3 June, is a time for all Australians to listen and learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It is also an opportunity to explore how we can each contribute to reconciliation. This year’s theme is 𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳 – we all have a part to play in building connection, respect and action to progress reconciliation. The Commission is committed to making sure culturally appropriate, quality and safe aged care is delivered to First Nations people. ℹ️ We’re advancing reconciliation through our Reconciliation Action Plan 2023–25: https://lnkd.in/gbU6BrEP We are working with First Nations stakeholders to develop resources and materials that will support First Nations providers, workers, older people and communities.🤝 This recognises that there are unique considerations when providing aged care for First Nations people. We’re encouraging input from First Nations people, aged care workers and providers. Interested in participating? 🌐 Find out more through our evolving First Nations resource Hub: https://lnkd.in/gpjb88zr ℹ️ For more information on National Reconciliation Week, visit https://lnkd.in/dAvQiCSB #NRW2024 #ACQSC #AgedCare #Reconciliation #NowMoreThanEver #History #Culture #Respect